The Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs (ACMD) is expected to recommend a ban be imposed on the so-called legal-high drug mephedrone, with the government advisers calling for the chemical, also known as Miaow Miaow and Bubbles to be labelled a B class drug. Anyone found using the drug will face a jail term of 5 years, whereas it will be 14 years for dealers.

The last two months have seen seven deaths linked to the drug, currently being marketed as plant food.

As well, just ahead of the T in the Park music festival, the Scottish government has called on this year’s organisers to outlaw mephedrone.

Expressing his personal view last week, Les Iversen, Chairman of ACMD said mephedrone was ‘amphetamines by another name’.

However, the move to ban the drug could be delayed as before doing so, research into the drug’s effects was necessary. However, he was prepared to waive the necessary period of due consideration, between council recommendation and introduction of a ban, drug related deaths being a national priority.

But, David Nutt, former ACMD Chairman felt smaller amounts of the drug in nightclubs would be far safer than banning it, as outlawing the drug would only see criminal gangs prospering from it.

The latest victim Thursday was Joslyne Cockburn, 18, from Newcastle upon Tyne, found dead after a night out with friends who tried to stop her taking the drug, reportedly available for as little as ?2 a bag.

Virtually unknown early last year, mephedrone, widely available online is also one of the most popular nightclub drugs, now, producing a similar effect to ecstasy, such as, euphoria and talkativeness. Reported side-effects include headaches, vomiting to bleeding gums.

Mephedrone comes in pill, capsule and powder form, with the white or yellowish powder snorted like cocaine.